This position stands in sharp contrast with Japan, which has sought to turn the Trans-Pacific Partnership, though rendered flaccid after the United States' withdrawal, into a geopolitical tool designed to counter China's influence in the region.

Leaders have pledged intensified efforts by ministers and negotiators next year to finalize negotiations on the proposed free-trade pact known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

The leadership of the Communist Party of China has wrapped up its first series of diplomatic efforts after the 19th National Congress of the CPC, which included US President Donald Trump's maiden visit to China, President Xi Jinping's speech at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Vietnam, and Premier Li Keqiang's deliberations at the ASEAN+China (10+1) leaders' meeting in the Philippines.